STATE BAR OF WISCONSIN
NEWS RELEASE

Keeping Your Legal Documents Safe from the Storm

State Bar Issues Tips for Lawyers and Clients to Use in
Times of Weather Crisis

Madison, WI – The State Bar of Wisconsin is participating in an
unprecedented statewide tornado drill today by issuing a reminder to
attorneys and their clients about the importance of having a plan in
place to preserve important legal documents.

This test of readiness will occur today at 1 p.m., when the National
Weather Service will issue a mock Tornado Watch, which will be followed
by a mock Tornado Warning at 1:45 p.m. The State Bar encourages both
lawyers and the people they serve to examine whether their legal affairs
and papers are in order and protected when disaster strikes.

Whether you are an attorney or an individual who wants to safeguard
documents, here are some valuable tips:

If a computer is wet, cut the electricity and unplug the computer.
Do not plug the computer in until you are 100 percent sure it is
dry.

Place wet hard copy, paper files in plastic bags and put them in a
freezer as soon as possible to prevent mold and mildew. Drying paper is
a major undertaking and is expensive, but it gets worse if mold and
mildew start.

"The State Bar encourages lawyers to keep their voicemail updated
during times of weather crisis, and to forward calls to their cell
phones if their offices cannot be occupied. If an office cannot be
occupied for an extended period of time, we urge lawyers to set up
temporary offices at unaffected firms or public meeting spaces," said
State Bar President Jim Brennan. "Working from home and connecting to
work and clients with web conferencing tools is also an option."

According to the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs Division of
Emergency Management, Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes annually. The peak
tornado season in Wisconsin is April to August, but tornadoes can occur
any time of year.

Citizens who want to learn more about protecting themselves can visit
ReadyWisconsin.wi.gov. Lawyers who
need additional assistance can contact the State Bar's Law Office
Management Assistance Program at org practicehelp wisbar wisbar practicehelp org.

# # #

The State Bar of Wisconsin is the mandatory professional
association, created by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, for attorneys who
hold a Wisconsin law license. With more than 23,000 members, the State
Bar aids the courts in improving the administration of justice, provides
continuing legal education for its members to help them maintain their
expertise, and assists Wisconsin lawyers in carrying out community
service initiatives to educate the public about the legal system and the
value of lawyers. For more information, visit www.wisbar.org.